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Wisconsin November Unemployment Numbers

Thursday, December 18th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman announced today that Wisconsin’s unemployment rate for November was 5.3 percent, up .9 percentage points from October. The rate was 1.0 percentage points up from the rate in November of 2007. The national rate for November was 6.5 percent, up 0.4 percentage points from September, and up 2.0 percentage points from October 2007.

“Like almost every other state in the nation, Wisconsin is feeling the effects of the national economic downturn, despite its diverse economy and talented workers,” Secretary Gassman said. “Strengthening our workforce, assisting job seekers and connecting them with employers remains our number one priority as we work through these difficult economic times.”

From October to November, total Wisconsin non-farm jobs decreased by an estimated 7,600 to 2,872,000. Private sector jobs shrank by 14,700, led by a decline of 9,400 in the Leisure & Hospitality sector. Trade increased by 9,000. Manufacturing was down 5,500 and Construction was down 3,400 in October.

Over the year, November 2008 showed a decline of 32,400 Wisconsin non-farm jobs. Goods producers were down 26,500, while service providers were down 5,900 over the year. The Educational and Health Services sector added 6,900 over the year.

The November survey of Wisconsin households showed 26,000 fewer employed compared to October and 30,200 fewer employed than one year ago.

Adjusted Data

The seasonally adjusted Wisconsin unemployment rate for November 2008 was 5.6 percent, up 0.5 percentage points from October 2008 and up 0.8 percentage points from November 2007.

Total state employment was down 13,000 from last month, and down 23,200 compared to one year ago.